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Wednesday, January 26, 2011

It's not easy for me, a girl, to buy gifts for guys, even if I've known them all my life. Last Christmas, I had to wrack my brains thinking of a unique gift for my brother who's into guitars, basketball (I'm not, so I really do not know what to buy) and gadgets (I am, but these are certainly way out of my budget) and another one for my other other brother who has other interests which I do not share.

In the end, I went for practical. While toiletries are not exciting gifts and are really downright boring, I can be sure that they will use them. And they did. I saw that the shampoo and soap that I've given my brother is now being used. So, they are not a waste of money or dust gatherers just there without any use and just occupying precious space. Are they happy with my unexciting gifts? Well, they are satisfied and grateful. And that is good enough for me.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

It's no secret that many bloggers earn from keeping their blogs. There are several ways and many people have welcomed this chance to be part of "the new media" and earning from it. However, there is a buzz going around saying that a certain food blogger is used by a PR firm to give good or scathing reviews about a restaurant, depending on whether the people behind the restaurant are willing to pay an exorbitant price. A lot of people trained their spotting scopes on a certain popular food blogger, who has since issued a statement saying that he was not the blogger alluded to.

This is viewed as a serious matter by many food bloggers. It has kind of sullied the reputation of food bloggers in general. This is bad.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Yes, I'm still awake! And it's not because I haven't found sleeping pills that work -- in fact I'm starting to get sleepy -- but because this is almost the only time that I can work in peace without interruption from my kids.

All moms have the problem of finding me time because of the demands of family and career, and sometimes the only time that we can have for ourselves are the "dead hours" when other people are already sleeping. This is the time that we can surf the web without interruptions, check emails, read (e)books, and generally not worry too much about our roles as a mother or wife or a career person.

And no matter how busy you are, you should find a little time for yourself. To recharge and to remember being "you".

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Lately, I've been getting phone calls from some telemarketers pushing me to get things like cheap car insurance quotes, hospitalization plans, personal loans etc etc. Most of these emphasize their benefits, which sound great on the phone. But I am not one to immediately sign up, there and then as they would want me to do (claiming that only a select few are invited, but we HAD to ACT FAST! I would rather study the whole thing first and read the fine print. I do not want to pay for something impulsively, especially since this involves monthly payment through the credit card. Sounds fishy to me! Scam? What do you think?

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Remember the cellphones around 10 years ago? At that time, cellular phones were just starting to mainstream as prepaid cards became available. Texting also became low cost alternative way to communicate. Telecommunication firms found a new market: the lower income segment who previously couldn't afford having a cellphone now found that keeping in touch became something they could actually have.

Now, not everybody can have the capital to sell phones as this does require a large capital outlay. Cell phone accessories, on the other hand, became a lucrative side-business. Bag companies now produce bags with a cellphone holder, and cellphone pouches as well. There are different types of jackets and cases to protect your cellphone from damage. Now these same companies are adapting to the newer type of touchscreen phones as well as gadgets. There are cellphone charms available to personalize your phone. Some companies also produce replacement covers.

The lesson here: an industry that does well spawns sub industries which benefit more people, providing more jobs. So, if there is a trend, we should think out of the box and go with the tide...what will go well with THAT? Who knows, you may find your fortune there.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

I know I've not been a very good blogger lately. I had hoped to be even more productive during the Christmas season, but that didn't happen. The holidays turned out to be even more busy even if we took a short break from work. The kids were both home since my schoolboy didn't have classes. That means that it's difficult for me to do other stuff like blogging, let alone look at computer monitors -- my kids wouldn't let me! Add to that the buying and wrapping of gifts, the parties...it makes for a very busy season!

But it's a break from the usual routine. Instead of complaining about the traffic and the stress, I think it's best that we focus on what the season is all about -- the birth of Christ.

Monday, January 3, 2011

We DIDN'T have firecrackers. Since hubby and I are both doctors and we've seen a lot of firecracker injuries up close and personal during our stints in the emergency room, we decided that it was just not worth it. It's like burning money. And with 2 small kids, we just do not want to risk injuries.

We did make noise though. My cousin gave Baby R a "band set" toy and my kids used the cymbals and the drum with gusto. We also bought torotot (makeshift horn). It was so much fun for the family, and much much safer too!

Oh, and the kids jumped at midnight! It's tradition. The elders said that it's supposed to make kids taller (like an hgh supplement?). Well, my eldest jumped and my little one -- I lifted her up repeatedly. LOL

Sunday, January 2, 2011

My family went on a short (just overnight) getaway to Tagaytay. To keep costs down, we stayed at a relative's house rather than at a hotel (in all honesty, it was the thought of free accommodations that clinched the decision to go). We just had to bring our own bedsheets and light blankets (my mom brought a cashmere throw).

We would have saved even more if we didn't eat out. We're thinking of doing just that for summer. Probably another week in Tagaytay to recharge and bond with the kids. We're thinking of just bringing our own rice and rice cooker, maybe some sardines, quick cooking oatmeal, etc. so that we spend less money and time on eating (waiting and eating at the more popular restos took quite a long time!) and more on activities for the kids.